Bush tax cuts become issue in RI congressional race

Republican candidate John Loghlin is seen during his news conference on Wednesday. Photo by Louis Oppenheimer.

By IAN DONNIS

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – The candidates in the 1st Congressional District staked out their stances on the Bush tax cuts on Wednesday.

Republican John Loughlin held a news conference outside the state Division of Taxation to express his opposition to all tax increases. He calls for extending the so-called Bush tax cuts due to expire next year.

"I want to cut through the rhetoric and be very, very clear," Louhglin said. I will vote yes on a vote to extend all the tax cuts enacted in 2001 and 2003, and I'm calling on my opponent to make the same pledge."

Loughlin's opponent, Democrat David Cicilline, says he opposes any tax increases for what he calls hard-working middle class Rhode Islanders. Cicilline says that unlike Loughlin, he opposes Bush era tax breaks for individuals earning more than $250,000 a year.

This skirmish comes less than 24 hours after Cicilline and Loughlin won primary elections to go head to head in November.